KEVIN Quiambao knows how important Kai Sotto is to Gilas Pilipinas after the towering big man made a huge impact in his return to the national team.
Sotto posted 18 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in the Philippines’ thrilling 82-81 overtime victory over Jordan in the opening game of the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
For Quiambao, however, Sotto’s value goes beyond protecting the rim.
“Kai, he’s just a big piece ng team,” Quiambao said. Jordan’s scouting report was reportedly to allow Sotto to shoot, but the 7-foot-3 center took advantage of the opportunity and responded with an efficient offensive performance.
“Yung scouting report sa kanila, sa Jordan, is to let him shoot. So he took advantage of it,” Quiambao said.
The La Salle standout believes Sotto’s return can become even more valuable as Gilas continues to build chemistry, particularly with another key big man expected to be part of the national team moving forward.
“Malaking tulong. Hopefully, in the future, mas mabuo kami, nandiyan si Justin Brownlee and si Kai,” Quiambao added.
Sotto was crucial again when the game was on the line, blocking Abdullah Olajuwon’s potential game-winning attempt in the dying seconds of overtime to preserve the one-point victory.
Now, Gilas must quickly shift its attention to Iran on Sunday.
Quiambao said the narrow victory was exactly what the team needed after going through a difficult stretch and falling into a four-game losing streak before finally getting back into the win column.
“A win is a win,” Quiambao said.
According to the young forward, coach Tim Cone had emphasized a simple target heading into the game: get the one-point win.
“Ngayon lang sinabi ni coach Tim sa amin na we just only need a one-point win every game. Ayun lang ang goal namin,” he added.
And against Jordan, that is exactly what Gilas delivered. The Philippines now hopes to carry that momentum into Sunday’s battle with Iran, with Quiambao emphasizing the need to prepare quickly and stay focused.
“Hopefully, madala namin iyung momentum to Sunday’s game,” Quiambao ended.
